Meet Kelsey Morgaine | Dancer, Actor, and Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey Morgaine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, why did you pursue a creative career?
It’s going to sound cliché; but I could never see myself doing anything else. In kindergarten, when everybody did the “What do you want to be when you Grow Up?” project- I drew myself in a tutu and told everybody I’d be a Ballerina. Not many were surprised when I lived up to that promise; including myself. It surprised me more how others’ reacted to it. Pursuing an artistic career is difficult; but it would be so much harder for me if my life were not full of dance and art. When you choose the creative route; you have to sacrifice security. For me, it always felt if I chose alternatively, I would be sacrificing my soul and therefore be miserable indefinitely. I find my security in being true to myself. At the end of the day I know my dreams are bigger than me and I’m just so happy I get to do what I love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Looking back makes it seem easy, but getting to this point in my career was anything but. As a young training dancer, I recall being told to just continue working hard no matter what. I really feel I’ve done that. Back then it was hard to understand that notion. Showing up is a big part of getting the job done. The challenge is trusting that your hard work will pay off someday.
For example, about a year and a half ago a fellow dancer, Tracy Jones, reached out to me- about 36 hours before a performance. Her company had a dancer drop out last minute due to health or injury. The next day she introduced me to the director of the company, Kenneth Walker, and they taught me the choreography in a couple of hours. Twelve hours later it was day of show and I had one rehearsal with the full cast of dancers before curtain!
That’s the same kind of scenario my childhood dance teachers would warn us to always be prepared and professional for- at the end of the day the show must go on.
It’s a happy ending- that show went well and I’m pleased to be re-joining Kenneth Walker Dance Project for BalletFest September 9th, 2023. It’s great to be back in the studio with Ken’s talented dancers; and for more than one rehearsal!
If I’ve learned anything: it’s to persevere. Work hard and opportunities will come.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh goodness, so many things to do! It would depend a little on who I’m hosting, and there’s so many wonderful things to do here! The beach is a must. I don’t want to give away my favorite spots but I will say I enjoy beaches with access to hikes or tide pools- I like more nature in my nature.
Speaking of nature, I also ride horses so next on the list would be a trail ride. I still don’t want to give out my secret spots but trust there is some great trail rides out here!

One of my favorite events to go to is a We Found New Music show. Grant Owens is a master of curating the best lineups of bands and artists. I have yet to attend a WFNM show where I didn’t find my new music obsession. Additionally, regular attendees are so kind and welcoming; I know I will always have a great night with friends at We Found New Music.

Lastly, I’d take my guest to JAM Joining All Movement stunt gym. Lots of equipment and stunt performers to train with! I started going to JAM to train Balintawak with Bryan Sloyer, and I’ve met and trained with so many talents since. Balintawak Arnis is a philippine martial art with a stick. Training is most certainly my happy place.
As far as eats- I’m lactose intolerant and eat a plant-based diet, thankfully Los Angeles is full of vegan and plant-based eats. I’m really looking forward to FilamArts FPAC- Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture this year. My sister Lindzi and I went last year and had a blast! I can’t tell you how much we ate and enjoyed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m very lucky to get to do what I love- I could not do that without these incredible people behind me. Firstly my partner is wonderful: we understand the pursuit of our artistic endeavors and support each other without question. Blake Edmondson is a phenomenally talented musician and actor, but equally an incredible and supportive partner.
My sister Lindzi is also my lifetime supporter! From conditioning, to cheering me on in the audience (and the fun times we get to create art together- she’s a singer/songwriter!) Lindzi quite literally has believed in me and supported me since day one.
Childhood dance bestie Ailèn Videla Ortiz has also been a lifetime supporter. (Go read her Shoutout LA article!) Ailèn and I have spent countless hours in and out of the dance studio supporting each other. Her mother, Mariana Sobral, also became my ballet teacher. Mariana’s coaching and philosophy have been invaluable to me as an artist.
To pursue an artistic career you have to really believe in yourself, and some days you just can’t. I am so grateful that my circle is so full of love and support that it fulfills me when I feel I have nothing left to give.
Finding my footing in Los Angeles was difficult, but I truly lucked out with the amazing people I’ve found- or found me! My agents at Prestigious Models/Image Powerhouse are awesome- talk about people who have faith in you! When I first started out, there were countless times I thought I wasn’t filll-in-the-blank “enough” for a role, and I learned quickly that if someone else sees the potential in you to trust them. It’s ok to not see what they see. The ambition at Prestigious Powerhouse is infectious. It’s priceless to be supported by an institution that not only understands my culture and heritage but celebrates it. I’m biracial filipina and caucasian and representation is important to me. It’s so refreshing to be surrounded by people who appreciate my culture authentically. Thank you Patty and Kim and team at Prestigious Powerhouse for your support and leadership!
My dance circle consists of the amazing humans of San Pedro City Ballet and the Dance Factory. I’ve had many roles in my career so far, but hands-down my favorite role will always be Teacher. Cindy and Patrick Bradley do so much for the dancers and the community of San Pedro City Ballet. Juli Thompson, owner of the Dance Factory, is the definition of a boss, bada** babe! When the pandemic hit, I watched these humans firsthand take care of our community and keep our arts alive. It all boiled down to “we have to keep going, our students need us”. Impressed doesn’t begin to cover how I feel about these three! Admirable to say the least- shoutout to all the small business owners who kept our world turning in such difficult times.
Lastly our students (we all dance in the same building) inspire me every single day. I want to be a better dancer, better teacher, and a better human because of you. I am honored to be a part of your lives.

Instagram: @kelseymorgaine https://instagram.com/kelseymorgaine

Twitter: @kelseymorgaine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelseymorgaine/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSjSx9IqEmxp7VEL8DPhmuw

TikTok: @kelseymorgaine https://tiktok.com/@kelseymorgaine

Threads: @kelseymorgaine

Image Credits
Photos by George Simian, Scott Ladouceur, Henry Jones, Bruce Fisher, John Nyboer, Allan Jacknow, Rachel Neville,